Big Mountain Warrior Leonard Benally: 'We want to share our struggle'

Big Mountain Warrior Leonard Benally spent his life fighting Peabody Coal in his homeland and forced relocation from Big Mountain

Today, we share again the words of Leonard Benally of Big Mountain.

Leonard's sister, Louise Benally said today, "Tell the world, this is the same as it is today."

By Brenda Norrell
Censored News

Updated Oct. 10, 2021

“We have been living in silence and we have been dying in silence. We want to share with others our struggle. If we walk alone, we are useless, we are nothing,” Leonard Benally said.

It was with great sadness that we shared the news of our dear friend and brother Leonard Benally, Dine' of Big Mountain, passing to the Spirit World in 2013.

Dine' Leonard Benally of Big Mountain, who spent his life fighting Peabody Coal and resisting relocation from his homeland, passed to the Spirit World on Friday. Leonard's family spent the past decades resisting relocation from Black Mesa and naming the names of those responsible for the misery that Navajos are surviving, including tribal politicians, attorneys, and Arizona Congressmen.

Dennis Banks Passes to Spirit World

From his children

"Our father Dennis J. Banks started his journey to the spirit world at 10:10 pm on October 29, 2017.

As he took his last breaths, Minoh sang him four songs for his journey. All the family who were present prayed over him and said our individual goodbyes. Then we proudly sang him the AIM song as his final send off.

Our father will be laid to rest in his home community of Leech Lake, MN. Presiding over traditional services will be Terry Nelson. We welcome all who would like to pay respects. As soon as arrangements are finalized, we will post details.

Still Humbly Yours,

The children and grandchildren of Nowacumig

Tashina Minoh Banks Arrow Banks DeeDee Banks Tokala Win Banks Glenda Roberts Darla Banks Tatanka Banks"

Dennis Banks on Standing Rock Spirit Resistance Radio

Dennis Banks

Dennis Banks, cofounder of the American Indian Movement, live on Standing Rock Spirit Resistance Radio.
Broadcast by Govinda of Earthcycles, producer of Standing Rock Spirit Resistance Radio.
Watch video interview from the radio van at Standing Rock below.

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American Indian Movement leader Dennis Banks, center, talks to press conference of his and fellow AIM leader Russell Means, left, attempts to help in food distribution on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 1974 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as efforts to effect the release of kidnaped Patricia Hearst continue. At right is AIM attorney William Kunstler. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

Dennis Banks, cofounder of the American Indian Movement,
at Wounded Knee '73.